East Haven Teen Critically Hurt by Tree Continues Making Progress

EAST HAVEN, CT - It has been nearly a year-and-a-half since one of East Haven's biggest tragedies occurred. On July 27th of 2017 a 30-foot tree tumbled down and critically injured 16-year-old Nick Vessicchio while he was mowing his own lawn.

Patch has kept in touch with the Vessicchio family and their closest friends during this trying time - and the family, through a close friend, wrote Patch to bring us up to date on how he and the family is doing.

Hello Friends,

The family, close friends and medical professionals are all working tirelessly to improve Nick's health. There is much progress and hope, however the progress seems very slow to the family. I am sure any of us would feel the same way.

If you recall the tragic day and months that followed , some of the medical professionals did not hold out hope for any recovery at all. Our good Lord and Nick have defied those opinions. He is responding to physical therapy. He is responding to Anthony and Michael brotherly teasing! Three people heard him yell "NO"! when Anthony was on his lap kissing him! He helped his Mother Sue and his Cousin Amber blow out her birthday candles.

He is eating food. All of these accomplishments are things they were told would never happen.

In February the family settled into the newly remodeled area for Nick. There was and still is some finishing work to do but thanks to many friends and strangers Nick is comfortable and the family is able to take care of his basic needs.

Nick's father, Ray has returned to work, Michael, the middle son has returned to work and school, Anthony, Nick's oldest brother is working in the healthcare field to help with Nick's care. Nick's mother, Sue is coordinating all the care and barely leaving his side with the exception of shopping and cooking.

As soon as Nick came home last winter the family rented a handicapped van and brought Nick to special oxygen treatments in Fairfield. These treatments are being credited with some of his progress. Unfortunately-- these treatments are not covered and they are very expensive. While the family now has a donated van received in early October...they mounted bills for the van rental until theirs was donated. Time was simply too important to wait for him to start his life changing treatments.

Due to Nick's unprecedented and unexpected progress medical professionals are recommending stem cell treatment. Again-- not covered and very costly. The family is going ahead and committed to using all their personal means with the exception of their home as they need a place to take care of Nick.

The family wants to thank everyone for the fundraisers, the visits, the food, the work on the house, but most of all the prayers. They ask that you keep the prayers coming.

If you would like to donate any finishing construction or other trade expertise please call Caroline Vitale Koziatek at 203 467-8824.

The financial need is crushing so please stay tuned for any upcoming events. In addition, if anyone would like to donate to help the entire Vessicchio family with this struggle, please send a check of any denomination. The details are below.

Please make your check payable to:

"The Vessicchio Family Special Trust" Citizen's Bank

And send your donation to:

Law Offices of Zullo & Jacks LLC

83 Main Street

East Haven CT 06512

Thank you for your much needed help and prayers,

Caroline Vitale- Koziatek